Ouattara condemns killing of demonstrating women in Abidjan

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (PANA) – Alassane Ouattara, the man recognised by the international community as the winner of the 28 November, 2010 presidential run-off election, on Friday condemned the killing of demonstrating women by government forces in Abidjan.

He condemned the “bloody madness perpetrated against mothers, wives, sisters and children with naked arms” on Thursday in Abobo, a district of the economic capital, Abidjan.

In the declaration made on Côte d'Ivoire television (TCI), Mr Ouattara expressed indignation at "this despicable and barbaric act".

"I am indignant. I am appalled that such barbaric acts can happen in the 21st century on our earth, on the land of the late president Félix Houphouët-Boigny”, Mr Ouattara said.

”I again call on Mr Laurent Gbagbo, the incumbent president and his supporters to show common sense and respect the electorate’s verdict and to refrain from perpetrating atrocity acts against Ivorians," Mr Ouattara said.

On Thursday, a peaceful demonstration held by women in Abobo demanding that incumbent Gbagbo stepped down, left eight dead and several others injured.

Colonel Hilaire Babri Gohourou, spokesperson for the defence and security forces, has denied that they killed the demonstrators.

Côte d'Ivoire has been thrown into confusion following the 28 November vote which has been claimed by Gbagbo and Ouattara.

The international community has asked Gbagbo to step down, but he has refused.
-0- PANA BAL/JSG/MSA/MA 5March2011